Vice President of Outside Plant Construction and Engineering

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, cloud and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 155 communities and more than 57,000 customers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience.

General Summary:                                                                                                          

The Vice President of Outside Plant Construction and Engineering oversees planning, design, and construction of new fiber optic networks for new and existing markets.  This individual has responsibility for upgrades to existing HFC and copper networks as well.

Reporting directly to the CTO, the VP drives strategic initiatives, optimizes operations, and leads a high-performing team to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in accordance with industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, a strong background in construction management, knowledge of fiber network planning and engineering principles, and a proven track record of delivering large-scale fiber deployment projects.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work closely with CTO and other senior executives to define the company’s infrastructure goals.
• Provide strategic leadership to construction and engineering departments to develop and implement construction plans that align with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Lead and mentor a team of construction and engineering managers, promoting a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, implementing appropriate spending controls, and providing reports and metrics as required to track financial performance ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Identify and mitigate risks such as budget overruns, project delays, and safety incidents, etc. to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget while meeting or exceeding quality and safety standards.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure high-quality work at competitive rates. Monitor performance to ensure compliance with contract terms and deadlines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all construction-related matters with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and executive leadership teams.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including local government officials, regulatory bodies, and community leaders.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by implementing innovative strategies, tools, and processes that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in construction.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in construction and engineering management within the telecommunications sector.
• Travels to project areas, customer sites, business related meetings or events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required.
• Other Duties as Assigned by the CTO of Ritter Communications. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:                                                             

• Broad knowledge of construction standards within the telecommunications industry with expertise in fiber deployment
• General knowledge of outside plant engineering principles for large-scale fiber networks
• General knowledge of construction safety standards, local and federal regulations, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of reporting and delivering analytical solutions and the strategic use of information
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage multi-million-dollar projects spanning several months or years
• Skill in negotiating large contracts
• Skill in operating various office equipment and software such as: personal computer, Microsoft Office, various project management software programs, etc.
• Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage multi-million-dollar projects spanning several months or years
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments
• Ability to create a team environment and sustain employee morale
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record

Education and Experience:   

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business administration, or a related field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in telecommunications industry, with at least 5 years of senior leadership experience managing outside plant construction and engineering.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex fiber deployment projects.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

 We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!